MURFREESBORO, NC – Jean Lawrence Rawls Mitchell, age 87, went to be with the Lord on January 19, 2018. She was a resident in the memory care facility at the Gates House in Gatesville, NC. She suffered a long journey with the Alzheimer’s disease.

Mrs. Mitchell was born on July 11, 1930 to Tommie and Mary Nowell Lawrence in Lewiston, NC. She was raised beginning at the age of three by her grandmother, Della Williford Nowell Whitaker.

Along with her parents and grandmother, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Lloyd L. Rawls, Jr. and Sidney R. Mitchell.

Left to cherish Jean’s memory are two daughters, Frances Rawls Evans and husband Nicky of Murfreesboro, NC and Wanda Rawls King and husband Jim of Ahoskie, NC; two grandsons, James Edward (Jamie) King, Jr. and wife Melissa of Ahoskie, NC and Nigel Paul Evans and wife Lorrie of Lisbon, Maine; one granddaughter, Sarah King Beasley and husband Ryan of Kinston, NC; two great-granddaughters, Kayla and Abigail King; her brother, Tommie Lawrence, Jr. and wife Marie of Colonial Heights, VA; her niece, Gail Lawrence Yoss and husband Chris of Chesterfield, VA and her best friend and faithful companion, Sadie Mae.

She was a dedicated member of Pleasant Grove Baptist church. Over the years, she served as a Sunday school teacher, church clerk and member of the choir.

Jean enjoyed quilting, ceramic classes and working in her flowers.

She loved her family dearly. She cherished times spent with her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister that will be deeply missed.

The family will receive friends at the homes of Frances and Wanda anytime.

A celebration of life service was held Monday, January 22, 2018 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Mickey Willard officiating. Burial followed at Highland Memorial Cemetery.

We would like to thank the Gates House staff as well as Community Home Care and Hospice in Elizabeth City for treating Mom with dignity, respect, comfort and compassion. We are so appreciative of their care and concern, not only for her, but also for us.

Flowers are welcomed however, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern NC Chapter 3739 National Drive Suite 110, Raleigh, NC 27612, (800) 272-3900 or Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 221 Pleasant Grove Road Aulander, NC 27805 or by visiting tmcfunding.com/ search; type Jean Mitchell

Garrett~Sykes Funeral Service is assisting the Mitchell family with arrangements and online condolences may be directed to them by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.